Minister tasks Abuja Disco on power supply

By Chris Ochayi

The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, has charged the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC, to urgently address the epileptic power supply in the entire Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja and its environs.

electricityNebo gave the marching order when he paid an unscheduled visit to AEDC Headquarters in Abuja.

He noted that the erratic supply of power in and around Abuja, especially in key government establishments is slowing down the pace of work, which is greatly impeding the performance of government programmes and activities.
The minister’s visit is meant to ascertain the challenges responsible for the recent drop in power supply in the FCT, with a view to collaborating with the company to provide immediate solution.

He lamented that Abuja as the seat of power, cannot afford to operate under low power supply, adding that the situation where most government establishments are starved of constant power supply is totally unacceptable.

He called on the management of AEDC to do a thorough check as well as prioritise load shedding to ensure that there is equitable distribution of electricity. He also noted that Nigeria, which is currently wooing investors into the power sector, will receive negative response from prospective investors if confronted with darkness when they come to discuss business.

“There is cheering news from other cities about improvement in power supply, whereas Abuja, where major government transactions take place is unfortunately starved of the needed regular power supply,” the minister said.

Also commenting, the Permanent Secretary, Power, Amb. Godknows Igali, enjoined the company to properly balance its load shedding.

He added that priority should be given to public buildings, like the Federal Secretariat, Office of the Head of Service, economic and health institutions such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, hospitals and airports.

He assured the electricity company of his Ministry’s support in tackling the challenges confronting it in the distribution of power to the Abuja environ.

Responding, the Managing Director, AEDC, Mr. Neil Croucher, called for a political decision in the quantum of power supply to the FCT. According to him, the amount of power supplied to Abuja has drastically reduced thereby necessitating the rationing of power in such a way as to satisfy all its customers.

He said the issues raised by the Minister are of great concern to the company, adding that prompt response will be given to ensure that load shedding is prioritised for optimum results.

Croucher further said that his company is in close discussion with five other electricity companies on embedded power to ensure that the supply to Abuja and its environs increased to boost economic activities in the area.


- Culled from: http://www.vanguardngr.com